Kingdom Come: Deliverance Next-Gen Update: A Deep Dive Analysis

Warhorse Studios just dropped a surprise next-gen update for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, bringing the beloved RPG to modern consoles. This free patch delivers a much-needed 60 FPS performance mode, higher resolution textures, and significantly faster loading times, finally allowing PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players to experience Bohemia in stunning new fidelity.

Key takeaway: The next-gen update for Kingdom Come: Deliverance delivers a stunning visual overhaul and performance boost on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, but some veterans may still prefer the original version for its authenticity.

Out of absolutely nowhere, Warhorse Studios and Deep Silver shadow-dropped a massive update for the six-year-old masterpiece, Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Just as hype for the sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, is reaching a fever pitch, they've given us the perfect reason to ride back into 15th-century Bohemia. This isn't just a minor patch-it's a full-blown next-gen enhancement that fundamentally changes how the game looks and feels on console.

Let's break down exactly what this update brings to the table, from the official trailer to the nitty-gritty performance metrics on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Next-Gen Update Launch Trailer Breakdown

The announcement came with a launch trailer that does a fantastic job of showing, not just telling, us what's new. If you haven't seen it, stop what you're doing and watch it now. It perfectly recaptures the gritty, beautiful, and unforgiving world that we first fell in love with back in 2018.

Timestamped Visual Improvements in the Trailer

The trailer is packed with subtle and not-so-subtle upgrades. At 0:18, the pan over the sun-drenched monastery showcases vastly improved lighting and shadow work. The way the light filters through the trees feels far more natural than the original console version. Jump to 0:45, and you get a close-up on Captain Bernard during a training sequence. The texture detail on his armor and face is visibly sharper, pulling detail from the PC version's highest settings.

Key Moments Highlighting Next-Gen Features

Two things stand out across the entire trailer: fluidity and clarity. Every sword swing, every horseback gallop, and every frantic chase sequence moves with a smoothness that was simply impossible on the last-gen consoles. The trailer's final shots, which rapidly cut between combat and scenic vistas, are a testament to the new 60 FPS target. The increased resolution makes the dense forests and bustling towns of Bohemia pop with detail that was previously muddied on consoles.

Next-Gen Update Features: What's New in KCD on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

So, what exactly did Warhorse Studios pack into Patch 1.9.7? According to the official announcement, this is more than just unlocking the frame rate.^[1] They've essentially ported over a suite of high-end PC graphical options and optimized them for the new console hardware.

60FPS Mode and Performance Enhancements

The headliner is, without a doubt, the jump to 60 frames per second. The original game was locked to 30 FPS on PS4 and Xbox One, and it often struggled to even maintain that in demanding areas like Rattay. The new update provides a buttery-smooth experience that makes the game's challenging first-person combat feel more responsive and fair. For a game that relies so heavily on timing and precision, this is a game-changer. If you want to learn more about optimizing your setup for better performance in any game, check out our guide on how to boost FPS and fix lag.

Lighting Improvements

While the patch notes don't mention ray tracing, they do confirm that the update brings lighting settings equivalent to the PC's "Ultra" preset. This includes higher quality global illumination and better shadow rendering. The result is a world that feels more dynamic and realistic. The dense forests of Bohemia are darker and more menacing, while interiors are lit with a soft, convincing ambience from candles and windows.

Texture and Model Upgrades

Alongside the performance boost, the game now utilizes higher-resolution textures for environments, clothing, and armor. This is immediately noticeable on the intricate plate armor and the detailed fabrics worn by nobles and peasants alike. The world simply looks sharper and more tangible, pulling you deeper into the historical simulation. This level of detail is something we're also hoping to see in upcoming RPGs like The Witcher 4.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Next-Gen Update Performance Deep Dive (PS5 vs. Xbox Series X|S)

Both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S received the update, but how do they stack up? While Warhorse hasn't released granular technical specs, analysis from the community and outlets like Game Informer paint a clear picture.^[2]

Frame Rate and Resolution Comparison

Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X target a stable 60 FPS and largely succeed. The resolution on both flagship consoles appears to be a dynamic 1440p, which provides a crisp image on 4K displays. The Xbox Series S also gets a 60 FPS mode, though it likely operates at a lower resolution, probably in the 1080p range, to maintain that smooth frame rate. For console players, this is a monumental leap in visual quality and performance.

Loading Times and World Draw Distance

Thanks to the ultra-fast SSDs in the new consoles, loading times have been drastically reduced. Fast traveling across the map or loading a save file now takes mere seconds, compared to the lengthy waits on last-gen hardware. Furthermore, the draw distance has been significantly improved, reducing the distracting pop-in of objects and textures that was common in the original console release.

Community Reactions and Known Issues with the Next-Gen Update

The surprise release of the update sent shockwaves through the KCD community. The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with players on forums like XboxEra and the game's subreddit celebrating the chance to replay the game with modern performance standards.^[3]

Reddit and Forum Sentiment

Most veteran players are ecstatic. Many are calling it the "definitive way to play on console" and praising Warhorse Studios for supporting a six-year-old game with such a substantial, free update. New players, drawn in by the hype for the sequel, are finding this the perfect entry point. The consensus is clear: if you own a PS5 or Series X|S, this is the time to play Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

Known Bugs and Performance Hiccups

No major update is without a few wrinkles. Some users have reported minor graphical glitches and occasional, brief frame rate dips in the most graphically intense areas of the game. However, these issues seem to be rare and don't significantly detract from the vastly improved overall experience. Warhorse has a good track record of patching their games, so we can likely expect hotfixes to address these minor problems soon.

Ultimately, this next-gen update is a fantastic gift to the community and a brilliant marketing move to build excitement for the sequel. The core game remains as complex and rewarding as ever, with its deep RPG systems reminiscent of other great titles like Dragon's Dogma 2. If you're diving back into the brutal world of Bohemia and find the combat as unforgiving as ever, you don't have to struggle alone. An Eloking game boost can help you master the skills you need to conquer your foes and fully enjoy this incredible story.

References

1. [1] "Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Patch 1.9.7 - PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S". deepsilver.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024
2. [2] "Kingdom Come: Deliverance PS5, Xbox Series X/S Update Is Out Now With 60 FPS And Ultra Settings". gameinformer.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024
3. [3] "Kingdome Come: Deliverance - Official Next-Gen Update Launch Trailer". forum.xboxera.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024